Post on 21-Jan-2020
Welcome
Today’s Topics
1. Plumbing Regulatory Framework
2. Changes to the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) 2019
3. Energy Safe Victoria – Gas installations and appliances update
4. BREAK
5. Developing performance solutions
6. Plumbing modification changes
7. Common issues seen during plumbing audits
8. Plumbing investigations update
The Plumbing Regulatory Framework
Building Act 1993
• Governs building and plumbing activity in Victoria
• Purpose of the Act is health and safety
• Part 12A of the Building Act covers plumbing work
Plumbing Regulations 2018
• Classes of plumbing work
• Scopes of work
• Qualification and experience requirements
• Adopts the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA)
• Sets standards of work
Changes to the Plumbing Code of
Australia (PCA) 2019
Sections reorganised:
• Cross-connection
• Rainwater harvesting
• Excessive noise
• Accessible facilities
Main changes to the PCA 2019
Standards added: • Fire-fighting water services• HVAC
Standards deleted• Domestic installation Part 5
New requirements:• Heated water services• Cross-connection control• Excessive noise• Evaporative cooler
Sections relocated to Victorian appendix:• Stormwater• HVAC• Low risk, on-site liquid trade
waste
Sections reorganisedin the PCA
New sections:
• Cross-connection
• Rainwater harvesting and use
• Excessive noise
• Accessible facilities
Sections relocated to Victorian Appendix
• Stormwater drainage systems
• Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
• Low risk, on-site liquid trade waste systems
New Requirements
• Heated water services• Cross-connection control• Excessive noise• Heating, ventilation and air-
conditioning systems• Clarification of stormwater
roofing requirements
Heated water services
• New requirements to limit water temperature to 45°C for disabled facilities
45°C hot water tempering currently required in:healthcare, aged-care, childcare and school buildings
45°C hot water tempering now also required in designated accessible facilities in common areas of Class 2 Buildings
45°C hot water tempering now required in designated accessible facilities in all other buildings, except for houses or units
45°C hot water tempering now required in designated accessible facilities in all other buildings, except for houses or units
Meeting the 45°C hot water
tempering requirements
To limit water to 45°C you must use:
Thermostatic mixing valve (TMV)
Thermostatically controlled tap
You must not use:
Tempering valve
New Requirements
• Heated water services• Cross-connection control• Excessive noise• Heating, ventilation and air-
conditioning systems• Clarification of stormwater
roofing requirements
Cross-connection control
Individual protection Zone protection Containment protection
• The PCA now lists cross-connection hazard ratings for common fixtures and appliances.
Cross-connection
control
New Requirements
• Heated water services• Cross-connection control• Excessive noise• Heating, ventilation and air-
conditioning systems• Clarification of stormwater
roofing requirements
Excessive noise requirements
DP1.1 Undue noise
Plumbing and drainage systems must be designed, constructed and installed in a manner that does not create undue noise.
DP1.2 Excessive noise
Plumbing and drainage systems must be designed to reduce the transmission of airborne and/or impact-generated sound, which may cause illness or loss of amenity to occupants.
Noise requirements for dwellings with a shared wall and multi-unit buildings
For houses that share a
separating wall
New noise requirements apply
to plumbing in separating walls in
Class 1 buildings
Deemed-to-satisfy noise
requirements for Class 1
buildings
1. Separating wall must have a cavity at least 20 mm wide.
2. Minimum 10 mm gap between plumbing and neighbour’s side of wall cavity.
3. Plumbing not fixed to neighbour’s side of wall.
4. Pipework must not be chased in if the wall is concrete or brick.
1. Separating wall must have a cavity at least 20 mm wide.
Deemed-to-satisfy noise
requirements for Class 1 buildings
2. Minimum 10 mm gap between plumbing and neighbour’s side of wall cavity.
Deemed-to-satisfy noise
requirements for Class 1 buildings
Deemed-to-satisfy noise requirements for Class 1 buildings
3. Plumbing not fixed to neighbor’s side of wall
4. Pipework must not be chased in if the wall is concrete or brick.
Deemed-to-satisfy noise requirements for Class 1 buildings
Noise requirements
for multi-storey
buildings
Plumbing or drainage must be separated from neighbouring units by walls, ceilings or floors with a sound insulation rating of:
a) 40 if the adjacent room is a habitable room (other than a kitchen), or
b) 25 if the adjacent room is a kitchen or a non-habitable room.
Noise requirements for class 2, 3 and 9c
buildings -
Separating wall next to habitable room:Sound rating 40
Separating wall next to bedroom or living roomNoise
requirements for class 2, 3 and 9c
buildings -
Separating wall next to habitable room:Sound rating 40
Separating wall next to bedroom or living roomNoise
requirements for class 2, 3 and 9c
buildings -
Separating wall next to habitable room:Sound rating 40
Separating wall next to bedroom or living roomNoise
requirements for class 2, 3 and 9c
buildings -
Separating wall next to habitable room:Sound rating 40
Noise requirements for class 2, 3 and 9c
buildings
Separating wall next to a non-habitable room:
Sound rating 25
Noise requirements for class 2, 3 and 9c
buildings
Separating wall next to a non-habitable room:
Sound rating 25
Sound insulation
rating of walls found in NCC
Volume 1
Specification F5.2
New Requirements
• Heated water services• Cross-connection control• Excessive noise• Heating, ventilation and air-
conditioning systems• Clarification of stormwater
roofing requirements
New standard AS/NZS 5141
• Ducted and non-ducted residential heating and cooling
• Must be used together with other standards for ductwork, piping, gas fitting and refrigerated gas handling
• Found in PCA 2019 – Vic. Section G
Evaporative coolers
• Evaporative coolers may discharge to spreaders over tiled roofs, not metal roofs
• Found in PCA 2019 – Vic. Section G
New Requirements
• Heated water services• Cross-connection control• Excessive noise• Heating, ventilation and air-
conditioning systems• Clarification of stormwater
roofing requirements
Gutters and downpipes
For gutters and downpipes in Class 1 buildings:
• All requirements are now found in the PCA
• NCC Volume 2 Part 3.5.2 no longer applies in Victoria
• Maximum 12 m spacing of downpipes is not required
Standards changes
• AS/NZS 3500.5 is outdated
• It can no longer be used as a deemed-to-satisfy standard
Old standard removed – AS/NZS 3500.5
Two new standards for automatic fire sprinklersin Class 2 and 3 buildings
Backflow device
Where sprinklers are
required in Class 2 and 3
residential buildings
Fire sprinklers required for
buildings over 25 m tall
Fire sprinkler protection now
required for Class 2 and 3
buildings with four or more
storeys
Energy Safe Victoria presentation
Break
Developing performance
solutions
What is a performance solution?
Performance requirements
Performance requirements specify the level of performance that all plumbing or drainage solutions must meet.
Example – Cold water service
BP1.2 Design, construction and installation
(1) A cold water service must ensure the following:a) Water is provided at required flow rates and pressures for the correct functioning of fixtures and
appliances.
b) Access for maintenance of mechanical components and operational controls.
c) The system, appliances and devices can be isolated for testing and maintenance.
d) The efficient use of drinking water.
Meeting performance requirements of the PCA
DEEMED–TO–SATISFY SOLUTION
PERFORMANCE SOLUTION
e.g. AS/NZS 3500 series.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTSe.g. BP1.2 Cold water service – Design, construction and installation .
Key principles of Performance
Solutions
• Performance Solutions are pre-planned and completed prior to the installation.
• Organise documentation before commencing work.
• All documentation must be retained for a minimum of 10 years.
• Plumbers are responsible for their performance solutions.
• Check with the relevant building surveyor if your plumbing work deviates from what was approved in the building permit.
Key stages
1. Prepare Performance Solution documentation
2. Carry out installation according to design
3. Describe installation on Compliance Certificate
Key stages
1. Prepare Performance Solution documentation
2. Carry out installation according to design
3. Describe installation on Compliance Certificate
Stage 1: Documentation
1. Prepare Performance Solution documentation
2. Carry out installation according to design
3. Describe installation on Compliance Certificate
Performance Solution Report
• Address/location• Scope• Why is it required?• Type of plumbing work• Relevant performance
requirement(s)• Method of demonstrating
compliance
Test Results and Analysis
Proposed Performance Solution
Stage 1: Documentation
1. Prepare Performance Solution documentation
2. Carry out installation according to design
3. Describe installation on Compliance Certificate
Performance Solution Report
• Address• Scope• Why is it required?• Type of plumbing work• Relevant performance
requirement(s)• Method of demonstrating
compliance
Test Results and Analysis
Proposed Performance Solution
Demonstrating compliance
Performance Solution Report
• Address• Scope• Why is it required?• Type of plumbing work• Relevant performance
requirement(s)• Method of demonstrating
compliance
Test Results and Analysis
Proposed Performance Solution
• A Performance Solution must meet the performance requirements of the PCA or be at least equivalent to the deemed-to-satisfy requirements.
• Use one or more assessment methods:
1. Certification from a Recognised Expert or Professional Engineer.
2. Documentary evidence demonstrating that the performance solution meets the relevant requirements of the PCA.
3. Verification methods prescribed in the PCA.
4. Compare the performance solution to the deemed-to-satisfy requirements.
Assessment Methods Analysis
Example documentation
for a performance solution for eaves
gutter overflow provisions
Proposed performance solution
Test Results and Analysis
PERFORMANCE SOLUTION REPORT
Address:733 Bourke Street, Docklands
Scope:The installation will apply to all eaves gutters installed using ACME gutters and the limitations of the test results.
Purpose:Building owner wants gutters to be installed against fascia with a smaller gap. This would not meet the 10 mm gap requirement of AS/NZS 3500.3, Appendix G.
Type of plumbing work:Roofing (Stormwater) work – Eaves gutter overflow provisions.
Relevant performance requirement(s):Plumbing Code of Australia 2019, Vic. Section F Stormwater drainage systems:• Vic. FP1.1 Roof drainage systems, and• Vic. FP1.2 Overflow
Method of demonstrating compliance (Assessment Method):• Certification from a professional engineer. • Specialist Engineering Pty Ltd was engaged to
conduct the research, tests and analysis of ACME gutters to demonstrate their compliance.
Example documentation
for a performance solution for eaves
gutter overflow provisions
Example documentation
for a performance solution for eaves
gutter overflow provisions
Proposed performance solution: • ACME eaves gutters will be installed in accordance with test
report procedures.
Calculation procedures1. Determine the 100-year average recurrence interval for the
installation using table X.2. Determine the maximum ridge to gutter length using table Y. 3. Follow the installation procedures (see section xyz). 4. Calculate the overflow capacity using table Z. 5. Check that calculated overflow capacity is equal to or greater
than required overflow capacity specified in section xyz.
Limitations1. Maximum spacing of gutter clips is 1000mm.2. Roof membranes terminate above gutter back.
Example documentation for a performance solution for eaves gutter overflow provisions
Performance Solution Report
• Address• Scope• Why is it required?• Type of plumbing work• Relevant performance
requirement(s)• Method of demonstrating
compliance
Proposed performance solution
Test Results and Analysis
Stage 2 – Carry out work according to design
1. Prepare Performance Solution documentation
2. Carry out installation according to design
3. Describe installation on Compliance Certificate
Stage 3 – Describe the installation on a compliance certificate
1. Prepare Performance Solution documentation
2. Carry out installation according to design
3. Describe installation on Compliance Certificate
Compliance certificates
• Compliance certificates must identify the performance solution when used.
• Option to use the attachment function in VBA360 to supply all relevant documentation.
• Documentation must be retained for at least 10 years.
Compliance certificate installation details
The relevant performance requirement(s)
The assessment method used
The version of the PCA used
Eaves gutter overflow provisions have been carried out under a Performance Solution to meet Performance Requirements in Vic. Section F Stormwater drainage systems: Vic. FP1.1 – Roof drainage Systems, and Vic. FP1.2 – Overflow using the certification from a professional engineer assessment method of the Plumbing Code of Australia 2019.
What work does the performance solution apply to? i.e. What is its scope?
ACME Gutters model xyz
Insurance
• Make sure your plumbing insurance covers any performance solution work you carry out.
• If in doubt, check with your insurer!
Additional Resources
• ABCB’s guidance material covering Performance Solutions, including examples.
• VBA’s Industry Guide: Performance Solutions for Plumbing Installations for Victorian plumbers.
• Check out the VBA Performance Solution video on the VBA website.
• Call the VBA’s Technical Advice Line on 1300 815 127.
Plumbing Modification
Changes
Changes to the Plumbing
Regulations 2018
• Plumbing modification application previously required when it was not technically possible to meet the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.2 Clause 3.2 – Location of drains.
• Modification applications now not required if you follow the prescribed requirements in the Plumbing Regulations 2018.
Installations that comply with the new requirementsBUILDING LINE
Common plumbing audit issues
Plumbing Audit Statistics
Plumbing Audit Statistics
Top 3 causes of audit failure
1. Failing to provide the minimum clearance between the highest part of the burner and the rangehood or exhaust fan.
2. Failing to install appropriate overflow provisions to eaves gutters.
3. Failing to install appropriately marked, toughened safety glass splashbacks behind gas burners and cooktops.
Rainheads – Common issues
• Incorrect overflow
• Incorrect discharge
• Incorrect height
Overflow provisions not adequate
Rainhead requirements
• 5.3.1 Overflow provisions and sizing (SA HB 39 Installation Code for metal roof and wall cladding)
• Height of the overflow weir of any rainhead must be at least 25mm lower than the sole of the box gutter
Gas appliance commissioning and
spillage tests
Common issues:
• Gasfitters not following gas appliance commissioning procedures.
• Not carrying out negative pressure and/or carbon monoxide spillage tests.
• Use AS/NZS 5601.1 for commissioning and Appendix R for spillage testing.
Compliance & Enforcement
Plumbing Investigation Statistics
154162 164
179
190195
216210
185
JUN-18 JUL-18 AUG-18 SEP-18 OCT-18 NOV-18 DEC-18 JAN-19 FEB-19
No. of plumbing cases being investigated
Referred to Magistrates Court for Prosecutions,
2%, 2%
Work rectified,
85%
Referred to Disciplinary
Inquiries, 8%
Warning Letter, 5%
Outcomes of investigations
Number of VBA investigators = 15
Unregistered/unlicensed persons carrying out plumbing work
• Section 221D – Plumbing work only to be carried out by registered or licensed plumbers.
• Maximum penalty – $80,595.
Case Example 1:
• Unregistered/unlicensed person doing a rough-in for hot and cold water services in 2016.
• The VBA was notified by the home owner when they became aware the person was not licensed.
• The case went to the Magistrates’ Court in 2018, where the person was fined $4000 plus $1000 for costs.
Obligations on plumbers concerning their agents
• Section 221G – A licensed plumber must not permit a person to carry out on his behalf work in a class that the person is not licensed or registered in.
• Maximum penalty – $8059.50.
Case Example 2:
• An unregistered person was carrying out roofing work under direction.• The VBA was carrying out registration and licence checks in the area.• The unregistered person was fined $1,000 plus costs in the Magistrates’ Court. • The case went to an internal inquiry panel in 2019, where the licensed
plumber was fined $806 plus costs.
Non-compliant work (section 221FA)
Case Example 3:
• Non-compliant work due to a solar water heater not being appropriately secured.
• The matter was referred to the Magistrates’ Court, with the plumber fined $2500.
• The defective work was rectified via an insurance claim, as the property owner didn’t want the plumber back on site.
• The offending plumber will also have an insurance claim against his name for the poor workmanship, which is likely to affect his future insurance premiums.
Plumbing work requiring a Compliance Certificate
Section 221E – Restrictions concerning work for which compliance certificate required
1. Unless a person is licensed to carry out a particular class or type of plumbing work or specialised plumbing work, he or she must not carry out any work of that class or type for which a compliance certificate is required.
Example of unlicensed work
Case Example 4: Plumber fined $20,000 with conviction, and ordered to pay costs.
Lodging Complaints
• Visit www.vba.vic.gov.au to lodge complaints in writing via the VBA360 link.
• Attend VBA front counter.
Q&A Session
Contact Us
Victorian Building Authority
Goods Shed North
733 Bourke Street
Docklands VIC 3008
GPO Box 536
Melbourne VIC 3001
1300 815 127
technicalenquiry@vba.vic.gov.au
customerservice@vba.vic.gov.au